Wisdom In Uncertain TimesSample

Worry Weighs Us Down

Worry is wearisome. It is fatigue to our emotions like physical pain is to our bodies. Worry can trigger stomachaches, high blood pressure, headaches, anxiety disorders and depression. It is an enemy to a joy filled and productive life. Worry can so weigh you down so that you are immobilized by lack of energy and fear.

Your family tree may have borne the fruit of worry over generations, but you can purge obsession with negative thinking through trust in the Lord. Jesus’ teaching is very clear, (Matthew 6:33-34). Exercised trust energizes the weary.

Your personality may lend itself to worry. You can see it in your furrowed brow, or brooding countenance. You worry about the economy and its effect on your retirement. You wring your hands over the war and wonder when it will ever end. You are stressed out over work because of situations and people you are unable to change. Anxiety may have paralyzed you as a parent because you don’t feel qualified to carry out your responsibilities. (Philippians 4:6)

Alcohol has become your outlet for those things you cannot control, but the gnawing fear is still there the next day. One simple solution is to make a two-column prayer list with the headings ‘Things I can’t change’ and ‘Things I can change’. Ask God for faith and patience with the former and wisdom and courage to act on the latter. Prayer is your time-tested prescription for worry.

Furthermore, look for those who long to be encouraged, who feel trapped by the anxieties of life (Luke 21:34). They need the truth of God’s word because the cares of this world try to marginalize the truth. Truth can be forgotten in the fearful suffering of severe trials. Your kind words remind them of Christ’s care and concern for their health, family and their faith.

Lift yourself and others out of the downward spiral of depression by cheering them up with truth. Read the Bible out loud with a friend and meditate on its promises that are filled with hope and encouragement. Use uncertainty, not as a reason to worry, but rest in the Lord. You are freed up when you don’t fret but apply faith instead. Above all else, His word wins over worry and provides strength for your faith journey! (Matthew 4:4)

Prayer: What promise from the Lord can I rest in and trust to overcome my chronic worry?

Application: What worry do I need to release to God so I am not weighed down?